White Boys

The name of a secret irish catholic group, fighting for freedom from
England. It was founded in Tipperary in the late 18th century and
remained active for about 100 years. The members were mostly farmers
who protested against the wealthy landowners by attacking farms and
destroying fences, cattle and buildings. During action they wore
white shirts over their clothes, hence the name 'whiteboy'.

Membership in the Whiteboys was forbidden and the English government
did all it could to crush the movement. Mere suspicion of being
a member could get your jailed for years, interrogated,
harassed and even tortured. The efforts were in
vain, though.